Page 87 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Thanks.” She’d worn her favorite jeans and boots and a short-sleeved copper shirt that laced up between her breasts, making her boobs look amazing.

“That’s a killer shirt. I don’t blame Doc for wanting to take you right here and now. I’m surprised you made it out of your house. If I had boobs like that—”

“Jesus, Birdie. That’s enough,” Seeley scolded, and draped his arm over Juliette’s shoulders as they headed inside.

Juliette couldn’t help laughing. Birdie had been so young when they knew each other before, but she’d always pushed Seeley’s buttons. “You look great, too, Birdie. I love your skirt.”

“Thanks. I made it.” She wiggled her hips. “Hopefully it’ll be a man magnet tonight.”

Seeley turned a dark stare on Birdie. “Can you pretend you’re not out to find a guy for one night?”

Birdie planted a hand on her hip. “I don’t go out to find guys. I go out so they can find me. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She threw open the door and strutted into the bar.

“I swear that girl’s gonna give me gray hair.”

Juliette laughed. “She’s a grown woman with a vibrant personality. Don’t try to tame her.”

“I don’t want to tame her. I want to protect her.”

And there it was, one of the things she loved most about him.

As they made their way inside, the music and the din of people dancing, playing pool, gathered around the bar, and cheering on a girl riding a mechanical bull brought a rush of adrenaline.

Seeley kept her close as they weaved through the crowd and around packed tables. Juliette noticed a large number of men wearing cuts with Dark Knights patches scattered throughout the bar, like there had been way back when, and memories rushed in. She’d been so young and in love, their lunch dates at the Roadhouse had felt like a dream, and the few times they’d had dinner there, the bar had been hopping, and she’d felt the same sizzling energy then that electrified the air tonight.

But one thing had changed.

Back then the other Dark Knights had been watching over them. Now it was Seeley’s keen eyes trailing over the crowd, slowing for a beat when he spotted Birdie chatting up two guys. Juliette could feel tension rising in him, his arm tightening around her as he shot those men a warning glare, and they took a step back. She felt bad for Birdie, but she was also in awe of Seeley and how hard he loved the people in his life.

She noticed a few people looking at them with curious expressions, and her nerves flared. Given what Seeley had told her about his dating history, she assumed they were wondering if she was his fling for the next few weeks. Her stomach twisted at the thought of him with other women. But they’d both lived full lives, which had included other men and women. More importantly, their hearts had stayed connected through unbearable heartache. There was no room for jealousy in a love like theirs.

She spotted his siblings sitting at a table just ahead. Cowboy had his arm around a petite beauty with shoulder-length golden-brown hair and a warm smile. She looked to be about Birdie’s age and was gazing at Cowboy adoringly. Sasha was cozied up to a handsome man with jet-black hair, olive skin, and chiseled features, and Billie stood beside Dare’s chair holding a tray of glasses and chatting with them.

Dare looked up, catching Juliette watching them. He pushed to his feet and called out, “There’s the man of the hour and the beautiful birthday girl!” sparking a round of happy birthdays from everyone.

Juliette looked at Doc in elated shock. “You told everyone?”

“You deserve to be celebrated, darlin’.” He kissed her, and she couldn’t stop smiling.

“Get over here.” Dare pulled her into an embrace. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Thanks. Me too.”

He put his hand on Billie’s back and said, “You remember my beautiful wife, Billie?”

“I do. It’s good to see you. I always knew you two would end up together.”

“This one didn’t give me a choice,” Billie said, eyeing Dare lovingly.

“Yes, I did,” Dare said. “I said you could marry me or I could marry you, but either way, we were gettin’ hitched.”

They all laughed.

“Jule, you know Cowboy and Sasha.” Seeley pulled out a chair for her and said, “This is Cowboy’s fiancée, Sully, and Sasha’s fiancé, Ezra.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Juliette said, a wave of awkwardness moving through her as her gaze connected with Sasha’s. Sasha had been there when she’d yelled at Seeley about Lucas at the ranch. She had been the calm, centered sibling years ago, and she had that aura about her now as she watched them settle into their seats. Juliette tried to break the ice. “I can’t believe all of you are getting married. Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” the four of them said at once.